Quirky Jo comes to town

Today the Illawarra was graced with a visit from Quirky Jo Whitton of Thermomix Quirky Cooking fame. She's a Thermomix consultant, blogger and cookbook writer. One of the originals who inspired us through her blog and then met our needs with a very comprehensive bible of healthy eating and Thermomix recipes.

Her  recipes are largely aimed at allergy free cooking but appeal to those interested in healthier cooking options and getting more from your Thermomix experience. If you are gluten, egg, nut or dairy  free or vegetarian this is the go to book.

220  keen Thermomixers packed into Thirroul Community Centre to hear more and sample a few of the recipes.

Jo on the left being thanked for coming to the Gong

The Beetroot Ciabatta topped with Macadamia Pesto was delicious and I'll definitely be trying Jo's suggestion of Caramelised Onion and Olive Bread. One little tip she gave us was to cook bread on a pizza stone and to place  a tray of water in the oven to steam while the bread was cooking. (Maybe adjust the cooking time and heat if too hot)

During the two hour seminar Jo took us through the making of spreadable butters, sweet and savoury nut butters, coconut cream, Flourless Chocolate Coconut Cream Cake with marbled ganache, breakfast smoothies and others.  I get the impression this lady will do anything for Chocolate provided its made with "the good stuff".

A few audience recommendations for savoury meals were to try the Grain Free Lasagne, Nasi Goreng, Coconut Satay, Lamb Hot Pot, and the Beef Stroganoff, Jo herself loves Whole Chinese Chop Chicken with Chili Ginger sauce, Vietnamese Fish Curry with Sticky Rice.

When I first  received the book as a birthday gift I was overwhelmed but Superkylz took me through a few recipes and now my favourites are Spicy BBQ Chicken all in one meal  and Huevos rancheros (ranch style eggs).

She's so confident now she made Chili Chocolate Black Bean Mole for Easter dinner and a chocolate flavoured dip and egg free mud cake for dessert  inspired by Jo.

Black Bean Chili Chocolate Mole

Jo's demo today reacquainted me with the features of her book- meal plans. substitution lists and other tips and of course the variety of recipesto suit all needs. I'm a member of her very supportive facebook group Quirky Cooking Chat Group and you can sign up at her blog for her newsletter.

I need to write a TO DO list! I'm inspired.

Please note I attended today at my own expense and with my own book, my consultant and a few of her clients.  
Cheers Robyn